Lucas Paqueta sums up why West Ham should call it quits in January after what happened in Brazil draw vs Tunisia
Lucas Paqueta could be on the chopping block for West Ham as the January window looms.
Pauqeta was linked to Aston Villa late on in the summer, but a move to Villa Park never materialised at the London Stadium.
The Hammers have failed to see the best version of the attacking midfielder ever since, with Paqueta struggling for form at West Ham this campaign.
Paqueta has previously shared a desire to leave West Ham, but he could be forced out before he can find a preferred move away from E20.
Irons fans will have had one eye on Paqueta over the international break with Brazil, but won’t be overjoyed by what he did against Tunisia on Tuesday.
Lucas Paqueta missed a penalty for Brazil vs Tunisia
Paqueta was poor for West Ham against Burnley last time out as Nuno Espirito Santo secured an all-important three points in East London.
It doesn’t appear that the international break has benefited his form after failing to show his qualities for the Selecao.
The Hammers man was afforded just seven minutes against Senegal and failed to make any sort of difference at the Emirates.
It was therefore little surprise that Carlo Ancelotti named the number 10 on the bench again as his side lined up against Tunisia.
Paqueta was handed half an hour off the bench against the African outfit, but it is safe to say that he had an evening to forget in Lille.
The West Ham star was given the ball and an opportunity to take a penalty kick on 77 minutes with the chance to put Brazil 2-1 up.
He did his usual bizarre run-up and blazed his effort over the bar, being left with egg on his face after what was a huge opportunity to prove his worth to Ancelotti and Co.
Instead, Brazil drew 1-1 with Tunisia, and Paqueta was ultimately to blame.
West Ham could benefit from cutting ties with Paqueta
The arrogance to take a penalty in such a slow and tedious fashion before missing is something that won’t benefit a side in a relegation battle.
Nuno needs every player in his squad to put in 100 per cent every week and take their chances when they come.
The Portuguese head coach can’t afford to have any “luxury” players, and with antics like his penalty miss, Paqueta is falling into that bracket.
If an offer is to come in during the January window, West Ham may take more time to consider it now than they might have done in the summer.
It may disappoint the London Stadium faithful, but selling Paqueta and reinvesting that throughout the squad could be an ideal solution to their problems right now.
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